U.S. Capitol Riot Aftermath: Two Police Officers Suspended
In the aftermath of the U.S. Capitol riot, which occurred on January 6th, 2021, two Capitol Police officers have been suspended due to their alleged behavior during the event. The suspensions come after dozens of other officers were injured during the riot, and rioters vandalized and looted the Capitol building.
According to reports from NPR and other news sources, one of the officers suspended was seen taking a selfie with rioters, while another was accused of donning a “Make America Great Again” hat and directing people around the building. Neither officer has been identified by name at the time of writing.
The suspensions have come amid wider calls for accountability for those who participated in or assisted with the Capitol riot. In addition to the suspended officers, several lawmakers have been accused of egging on the rioters and subsequently facing calls for their resignation or removal from office.
The riot has also resulted in several high-profile arrests, including of individuals connected to far-right extremist groups and in one instance, an elected official from West Virginia. The events of January 6th have been widely condemned by both politicians and citizens alike, with many calling for increased protections for government officials and buildings in the future.
The suspensions of the two Capitol Police officers serve as a reminder of the seriousness of the events that occurred on January 6th, and underscore the need for accountability for anyone involved in the riot. While investigations into the incident are still ongoing, for those who were present and took part in the chaos, consequences are already being felt.
References:
NPR: Two Capitol Police Officers Suspended Over Alleged Roles In Rioters’ Attack On Capitol
CNN: Dozens of people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot
BBC News: US Capitol riots: Who has been charged over the unrest?